Australia vs India 2018-19: Only one word to say, I'm proud - Virat Kohli After Series Win in Australia

Indian National Cricket team created history as they defeated Australia Down Under for the first time as they retained the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy beating the hosts 2-1. Meanwhile, India won the first, and the third Test as Virat Kohli became the first Indian captain to scale this feat. Nevertheless, he was emphatic with the win and admitted that he is proud of his boys.

The visitors, however, enforced a follow-on after bowling out the Aussies for 300 in reply to their first innings total of 622 for seven declared. Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant smacked daddy hundreds while Kuldeep Yadav returned with a five-wicket haul in his first effort in Australian soil. However, bad light forced the umpires to call off the fourth day’s play early and play never resumed after that. But the gloom and rain couldn’t eclipse the sheen of India’s monumental achievement.

Post their monumental series, Virat Kohli lauded his side for putting in a brilliant show in Australia. He also admitted that this is by far his biggest achievement

“Firstly I want to say, I’ve never been more proud of a team than this one. The culture we’ve been able to build over the last 12 months. Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time. Only one word to say, I’m proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good. Definitely, deserve to enjoy this moment. By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile.

When we won the World Cup, I was the youngest member of the side. I saw the others getting emotional but I didn’t really feel what they felt. But having been to this country thrice now and to understand that what we’ve done has never been done. This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we’ve been able to achieve is something to be really proud of. That’s something that we spoke about, just wanted to go back to basics, not be flamboyant,” Virat Kohli said.

Pujara has been exceptional

The Indian skipper spoke highly of Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been sensational with the bat this series. With 521 runs from 1258 balls, he basically broke Australia’s bowling attack into the ground. He blocked everything as Australia’s couldn’t figure out a plan to get him out.

“Want to give a special mention to Pujara. Especially after the kind of series he had the last time he came here. He’s one guy always willing to accept things. Takes it in his stride and works on his game. He’s the nicest man around. Special mention to Mayank Agarwal too. To come in on Boxing Day and play like that against a high-quality attack in their conditions speaks volumes of the belief he has. Someone like Rishabh as well, coming into his own and dominating attacks is something that augurs well for the team,” Virat Kohli added.

Our Bowlers were lethal

Virat Kohli also spoke highly of the bowling attack which has done a terrific job in the last one year. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show as he scalped 21 wickets at an average of 17 in the four-match series. Mohammed Shami also supported well with 16 wickets as Kohli mentioned that they had worked significantly on their fitness levels.

“We knew once the batsmen score, our bowlers are lethal. The way the bowlers have dictated terms in this series. And not just this one, the previous two tours as well. I’ve not seen happen in Indian cricket. Playing with four bowlers and getting results overseas is something that I’ve never seen playing for India. Hats off to them. They’ve worked on their fitness levels. They don’t look at a pitch and think there’s nothing for us. It’s a revelation for Indian cricket and a learning for the other bowlers back home. These guys are going to be looked up to for a long, long time. They definitely deserve to be here and breaking record of the great West Indian fast bowlers is no mean feat.

Definitely, this is just the stepping stone for us. The average age in the team is quite low. The most important thing for us has been belief. We’ve believed in SA that we’re on the right track, we believed in England, and now we’ve got the results to back it. Most important thing is what you feel as a group, not what the voices outside say about you,” he continues.

Australia was competitive at home

Virat Kohli also hailed Tim Paine & Co for being competitive and hoped that they would come back stronger. The talismanic run-scorer also shared high praise for the Australian crowds who turned out in huge numbers to support Test cricket.

“If your intention is right, God gives you things you can’t imagine. Our intent has always been good, and that is to take Indian cricket forward. Australia are always going to be a very competitive side. Every team goes through a transition. I wish Tim and the management all the very best. I’m sure they’re going to regroup and come back to the dominating force they are. We all deserve to enjoy. Celebrations are going to run long into the night I can assure you. Guys are tired, they’re mentally and physically drained. Now we’ve got no more Test cricket and no more alarms in the morning. Crowds have been outstanding. They’ve never let us feel we are playing away from home. They’ve come in numbers in every stadium,” Kohli concluded.